The objective of the Nicaragua case study was to explore the contributions of the broad and diverse women’s movement in the collective struggle for the vindication of rights that stated in April 2018, and to describe how the movement’s agendas, strategies and practices have been reconfigured in order to continue its VAWG-related work in the current context of more intensified socio-political violence.
“For us, it is essential to situate/name the forms of violence, silencing, discrimination and de-subjectivizing tactics reproduced in the spaces of the civic rebellion of April 2018, in the same way as we vindicate our skills of resistance to the dictatorial nation-state that continues to oppress us.”
Patriarchy, racism, colonialism, and neoliberalism interlock to reinforce inequality and violence, particularly against marginalized, feminized, and racialized groups. This research draws on Aluna’s (2022) framework to outline three interconnected forms of violence: socio-political violence, patriarchal violence, and violence targeting human rights defenders. Patriarchal violence includes acts against women, girls, and gender-nonconforming individuals, while socio-political violence reflects the state's control over activists fighting for social change.
Our study also explores the Nicaraguan women's movement strategies against violence. Using a socio-ecological model, these efforts emphasize creating supportive environments, improving access to justice and services, and preventing violence through societal change. With an intersectional lens, we examine how identity dimensions like race, class, and age impact both experiences of violence and resistance tactics. Recognizing young women’s leadership, we explore how new generational perspectives are shaping the movement’s resilience and response to ongoing violence.
The Nicaragua case study followed a feminist, participatory action research approach, questioning traditional knowledge and emphasizing co-creation with Nicaragua’s women’s movement. The team of feminist researchers from different generations, connected to the movement, engaged in collaborative, trust-based dialogues with 33 Nicaraguan feminists.
Ethical measures prioritized confidentiality, safety, and participants’ wellbeing. Findings were analyzed using NVIVO and enriched through the WEAVE Collective’s framework.
“We aspire to keep on working, and above all to remain together, which is what has made us strong and still be here… It’s our commitment that motivates me to continue this difficult, tedious and risky work…”
“And at the same time, undoubtedly, I’m motivated by hope; the hope that this will change. For me, it’s so important to be together and feel supported, because the situations aren’t so different and the hope is there in the territories and prevails against everything.”
The Broad Women’s Movement’s Contributions to the Struggle of April 2018
Nicaraguan feminists were already active against authoritarianism, corruption, and social injustices long before April 2018.
They built strong networks for psychosocial support, justice advocacy, and rapid, clandestine responses to women’s urgent needs.
Feminist leaders took roles in peaceful protests, provided humanitarian aid, and advocated for inclusive language in opposition communications.
They documented and denounced human rights violations, leading to broader awareness of state violence against women.
Networks provided humanitarian support, shelter, and economic survival initiatives for activists and their families.
Younger feminists, informed by past activism, introduced a focus on wellbeing, self-care, and healing, reshaping feminist activism.
New feminist groups (e.g., Sanar, Volcánicas) promote inclusivity, collective care, and address internal movement challenges.
They addressed unique issues of autonomy and violence against Afro-descendant and Indigenous women, despite disconnection from Pacific-centered activism.
Redefined caring as a political act, challenging the state’s repression and prioritizing life preservation.
Recognized violence as ongoing, affecting marginalized groups particularly, and addressed it as a systemic issue.
Advocated for democracy and justice starting at the personal and community level, beyond state or institutional confines.
Reinventing the Women’s Movement in Response to Violence
The Nicaraguan women’s movement has continually worked toward a life free from violence for all, facing ongoing challenges as political crises threaten previously hard-won gains in violence prevention and response. The Ortega-Murillo regime, alongside conservative opposition actors, has undermined legislative advances and disregarded women’s rights, deeming these “divisive” issues best left “for later.” Since the sociopolitical crisis of 2018, women’s vulnerability has increased, exacerbated by deteriorating living conditions, widespread impunity, and the targeting of women’s organizations offering support in local communities. State repression has led to exile, criminalization, and even torture, impacting the lives of women defenders who have been forced to abandon personal and collective projects.
Yet, the movement remains resilient. In response, activists have adapted, creating new strategies based on self- and collective care, clandestine networks, virtual platforms, and international advocacy. New feminist leaderships focus on healing, memory, and maintaining solidarity even under threat. Despite attacks, the movement draws strength from shared experiences, rebuilding community connections across distances and grief. United by hope and commitment to justice, they continue to weave networks, uplift each other, and sustain a collective fight for a future free from violence and repression.
“They can take the buildings away from us, they can take everything, but they can’t take our dignity. And as they say, ‘nobody can take away the good times’ or everything we’ve learned and shared or everything we’re going to continue doing. And that’s why I was left with a feeling of pride, of recognizing that whole path we’ve come down...”
Dr. Mary Ellsberg is the Executive Director and Founding Director of the Global Women's Institute at the George Washington University. Dr. Ellsberg has more than 30 years of experience in international research and programs on gender and development. Before joining the university in August 2012, Dr. Ellsberg served as Vice President for Research and Programs at the International Center for Research on Women. Dr. Ellsberg’s deep connection to global gender issues stems not only from her academic work, but also from living in Nicaragua for nearly 20 years, leading public health and women’s rights advocacy. She was a member of the core research team of the World Health Organization’s Multi-Country Study on Domestic Violence and Women’s Health, and she has authored more than 40 books and articles on violence against women and girls.
Tamara Dávila, a Nicaraguan psychologist and feminist activist, is the 2023-2024 Human Rights Fellow at Kalamazoo College's Arcus Center. With two master’s degrees, she has worked since 2004 with women’s organizations and civil society groups advocating for sexual and reproductive rights and supporting survivors of violence against women and girls.
Flávia Dutra is a Research Assistant at the Global Women’s Institute. She previously worked with George Washington University professors on research and editing, including assisting with the launch of a book on reproductive rights. Passionate about policy research on reproductive rights and women’s health care, Flavia holds a Bachelor’s degree and is fluent in Portuguese.
The Nicaragua case study report was written by Ana Clara Buendía, Mar Cervantes, Carmen Flores, Mary Ellsberg and Ana Lucía Álvarez Vijil in the context of the collective learning and collaborative work promoted by the WEAVE Collective. We are a team of feminist women from different generations who have also been part of the broad and diverse women’s movement of Nicaragua through different paths. As such, we are therefore affectively linked to the experiences, forms of violence and resistances recounted in this study. In the context of the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship in Nicaragua, signing with our names to an investigation about our struggle against all forms of violence puts our lives and the lives of our loved ones at risk. Therefore, some of the team members use pseudonyms to protect ourselves and continue our silent resistance in defense of a life free of violence.
“I get a bit nostalgic remembering so many things that we’ve done and built collectively based on the experience of each one of us; but it also makes me proud. We’ve done so much! And it’s not just for the sake of it; it requires enthusiasm! Because we’ve left our mark and great contributions through that work throughout history…”
We’ve Always Been Here:
The broad women’s movement in Nicaragua resisting patriarchal and socio-political violence
